Characteristics of Gifted Learners Amanda Schwartz GATE Coordinator (626) x88462

2 Characteristics of Gifted English Language Learners Based on research by: Dr. Jaime A. Castellano Consultant, Author, Researcher, Practitioner Phoenix, Arizona Phone: (561)

3 Characteristics of Gifted English Language Learners Brulles and Winebrenner (2008) Strong desire to learn in their language and in English High interest in certain topics Quick grasp of new info. Evidence of creative ability in thinking/problem solving Ability to see relationships and make connections Brulles and Winebrenner (2008) Ability to improvise with everyday objects Exceptional ability in any of the fine arts Exceptional talents in areas valued by their culture High standards for themselves Curiosity

4 Characteristics of Gifted English Language Learners Brulles and Winebrenner (2008) Persistent Independent Keen power of observation Self-directed Tendency to dominate peers or situations Tendency to find and correct their own or other’s mistakes Ease in adapting to new situations Brulles and Winebrenner (2008) Takes on leadership role Ability to carry responsibilities well Originality and imagination Ability to express emotions and feelings Articulate in role-playing and storytelling Has a command of informal language

5 Characteristics of Gifted English Language Learners Aguirre and Hernandez (1999) Eagerly shares culture Interprets and translates at high levels of accuracy Possesses advanced knowledge of idioms Understands jokes and puns Possesses cross-cultural flexibility Learns a second or third language at an accelerated pace Excels in math achievement Ability to code-switch Bernal (1974) Enjoys intelligent risk-taking behavior Has older playmates and can easily engage adults in lively conversation Is “street-wise” and recognized by others as possessing ability to “make it” in the dominant “White” society Rapidly acquires English language skills Accepts responsibilities at home

6 Characteristics of Gifted Learners from Diverse Populations Based on research by: Project Bright Horizon Jacob K. Javits Gifted & Talented Education Grant Program Washington Elementary School District 4650 West Sweetwater Glendale, AZ Phone: (602)

7 Verbal Abilities Has an expanded vocabulary Asks unusual questions to find out more information Expresses ideas well Elaborates on questions for information Strong desire to learn in their primary language and English Has a command of informal language

8 Learning Characteristics Exhibits quick mastery of skills Has long-term recall of information Has interest in how things work Possesses cross-cultural flexibility Is able to retain more information with less repetition Displays creativeness, originality, putting things and ideas together in novel ways

9 Learning Characteristics Has high standards to him or herself Likes to solve puzzles and trick questions Has a wide range of interests or high interest in certain topics Performs well mathematically Has a lot of information about one topic Has a questioning attitude Exhibits perfectionist tendencies Stays with a project until it is completed

10 Motivational Characteristics Is inquisitive Has a tendency to lose awareness of time/intense concentration Becomes easily impatient with drill and routine procedures Is persistent Has keen powers of observation Requires little direction

11 Social Abilities Ease in adapting to new situations Tends to dominate peers or situation Has unusual, often highly developed sense of humor Is independent Often finds and corrects own or other’s mistakes Is eager to complete tasks Is often overly sensitive Demonstrates ability to express feelings and emotions Has older playmates or seeks out older friends Easily engages adults in lively conversation

12 Leadership Adapts readily to new situations Is well-liked by classmates and demonstrates leadership Carries responsibility well Is self-confident with own age group Is cooperative with teacher and classmates

13 Creativity Makes up games and activities displaying imagination Improvises with everyday objects (gives everyday objects unusual or novel uses) Expresses original ideas in other ways Eagerly shares culture Displays a richness in imagery and informal language Demonstrates exceptional ability in fine arts Demonstrates exceptional talents in areas valued by his/her culture